Driver’s license suspended

A man’s driver’s license was suspended for one year as part of a community control sentence.

Jeffrey D. Keeler, 50, of Urbana, was placed on community control for two years during a sentencing hearing on Tuesday.

Keeler pleaded guilty to a fifth degree felony obstructing official business charge in addition to a first degree misdemeanor operating a vehicle under the influence charge on April 22 stemming from an April 9 incident.

On that date, the Champaign County 911 Communications Center received a call from a resident stating an older white Buick traveling southbound on North U.S. Route 68, near East state Route 296, went left of center and struck a guardrail before being driven from the scene.

After Champaign County sheriff deputies located a vehicle matching the description, the suspect vehicle continued through a posted stop sign, failing to yield at the sign before heading southbound on East Lawn Avenue toward Urbana.

Deputies observed it traveling in the left lane at an estimated speed of 50 mph in a 35 mph zone.

The vehicle stopped near the intersection of Boyce Street and Madison Avenue. Keeler exited the vehicle and stood in the middle of the roadway. Deputies noticed Keeler had blood running down his face from the top of his head.

Urbana EMS personnel responded so Keeler could receive medical treatment. He reportedly became argumentative with paramedics and would not comply with requests. Keeler was eventually taken to Mercy Memorial Hospital where he was argumentative with hospital staff.

In addition to the one year driver’s license suspension, Keeler was ordered to attend a driver’s intervention program for three consecutive days as arranged by the Adult Parole Authority and obtain an assessment for and successfully complete substance abuse, alcohol dependency, mental health and depression counseling as arranged by the Adult Parole Authority.

He is also subject to random drug screens, may not purchase, possess or consume alcohol and may not be present in a bar.

Keeler was also fined $625.

If community control is revoked, Keeler faces an 11 month sentence to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections.

By Nick Walton

nwalton@civitasmedia.com

Nick Walton can be reached at 937-652-1331 Ext. 1777 or on Twitter @UDCWalton.

Nick Walton can be reached at 937-652-1331 Ext. 1777 or on Twitter @UDCWalton.